US Bridges

Private Drive over Unknown Creek

Fair

Swain County, North Carolina · Private Drive · Structure no. 00000000000T034

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
20 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4
2019 count
Owner
Tribal
Indian Tribal Government

About this bridge

Private Drive over Unknown Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Private Drive over Unknown Creek in Swain County, North Carolina. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 years old, older than the North Carolina average of 38.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 4 vehicles a day, projected to reach 5 by 2039. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long and 10 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPrivate Drive
CrossesUnknown Creek
LocationPrivate Drive
RouteFederal Lands Road 34
CountySwain County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.15206, -83.89879
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width10 ft (3.2 m)
Roadway width10 ft (3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck0 ft (0 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4 (2019)
Projected traffic5 by 2039
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerIndian Tribal Government
Maintained byIndian Tribal Government
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$18,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Private Drive over Unknown Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Private Drive over Unknown Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in February 2023.

How much traffic does Private Drive over Unknown Creek carry?

About 4 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Private Drive over Unknown Creek?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m) and a deck 10 ft wide.

Who owns Private Drive over Unknown Creek?

It is owned by the Indian Tribal Government.